Retail Associate, Fox Den

About Sidwell Friends School

Sidwell Friends School is a dynamic pre-kindergarten through grade 12 educational community, on campuses in Bethesda, Maryland, and Washington, DC. Sidwell is grounded in Quaker values of ethical leadership, global citizenship, environmental stewardship, and service. Through our curriculum and our approach to learning, we strive to help students discern deeper truths about themselves and our common humanity so that they may “let their lives speak.”

Sidwell Friends will open a new Upper School for grades 9-12 in September 2026. It will be the largest building on campus and will feature state-of-the-art facilities, welcoming common spaces, and natural light throughout. The current Lower School, in Bethesda, Maryland, has been separated from the rest of the Sidwell campus for more than 60 years.

Starting in the summer of 2026, Sidwell Friends will begin construction of a new Lower School that will incorporate parts of the existing Upper School, with significant additions and modifications to accommodate the needs of our youngest students. The new Lower School, along with the creation of a new central green space that will unite the campus, will open in the fall of 2028.

Position Summary

The Fox Den Retail Associate is both a community ambassador and a sales driver. Rooted in the Quaker belief that there is “that of God in everyone,” this role blends hospitality with thoughtful retail strategy, creating a welcoming environment while actively contributing to revenue growth and school spirit engagement.

Through warm service, intentional merchandising, and creative participation in sales initiatives and special events, the Retail Associate helps cultivate a dynamic retail experience that strengthens community connection and supports the financial sustainability of The Fox Den.

Key Responsibilities

Hospitality & Community Presence

• Greet every guest with warmth, attentiveness, and professionalism.
• Engage students, families, faculty, staff, alumni, and visitors with patience and enthusiasm.
• Foster an environment that feels inclusive, welcoming, and reflective of Sidwell Friends values.
• Build relationships that encourage repeat visits and long-term customer loyalty.

Sales Growth & Revenue Generation

• Actively contribute to achieving and exceeding sales goals.
• Identify opportunities to suggest complementary items and spirit wear to enhance the customer experience and
• increase sales.
• Assist in conceptualizing and executing in-store promotions, seasonal campaigns, and themed sales events that
• drive revenue.
• Participate in planning and implementing special retail events (e.g., spirit weeks, alumni gatherings, admissions
• events, holiday promotions).
• Support and staff pop-up retail events across campus, ensuring strong product presentation and energetic
• engagement.
• Monitor product trends and customer feedback to inform merchandising and purchasing decisions.

Elevated Customer Experience

• Provide knowledgeable guidance on merchandise selection, sizing, and gift ideas.
• Listen actively to customers and offer personalized recommendations.
• Deliver consistent, attentive service both in-store and for online order fulfillment.

Merchandising with Intention

• Create and maintain visually compelling, organized displays that reflect school pride and seasonal energy.
• Replenish, straighten, and rotate merchandise throughout the day to maintain a polished sales floor.
• Price and label merchandise accurately; unpack and verify shipments.
• Take initiative in maintaining cleanliness and presentation standards without prompting.

Sales & Operational Excellence

• Process transactions accurately and efficiently using the POS system.
• Maintain an organized, fully stocked register area; communicate low supplies proactively.
• Support opening and closing procedures, including daily deposits and reconciliation.
• Assist with inventory counts and protect store assets with integrity.

Team Collaboration & Engagement

• Partner with café team members to ensure seamless service during busy periods.
• Remain engaged and solution-oriented during peak traffic, major events, and promotional periods.
• Contribute creative ideas to elevate both the retail experience and overall Fox Den programming.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Retail or customer service experience preferred; experience supporting sales targets strongly preferred.
• Comfort with suggestive selling and customer engagement strategies.
• Strong communication skills and emotional intelligence.
• Ability to multitask in a dynamic school environment while maintaining composure and warmth.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.
• Comfortable using POS systems and Google/Microsoft Office platforms.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds and stand for extended periods.
• Flexibility to support special events, pop-ups, and seasonal high-volume periods.

The Fox Den Difference

At The Fox Den, retail is relational and mission-driven. This role balances hospitality with entrepreneurship,

strengthening school spirit, cultivating belonging, and helping The Fox Den thrive as a vibrant center of community life.

Schedule & Compensation

• Part-time; flexible availability between 7:00 am and 5:00 pm. (Additional hours during special events and peak seasons as needed); Hourly Rate $18.40-$22.00. Hourly rate will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

To Apply

To be considered, qualified candidates must upload a cover letter, resume, and three references through our online application system (ClearCo). To learn more about our school, please visit https://www.sidwell.edu.

Diversity Statement

Sidwell Friends School affirms the centrality of diversity and inclusion in all aspects of academic and campus life. Honoring a multiplicity of voices, we celebrate shared joys and address tensions productively. Together, we are guided by Quaker testimonies and seek to answer the question, “How do we nurture a sense of belonging in our community and demonstrate our commitment to a just world?”